Exchange For Change has set out a package of targeted support measures for retailers across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland ahead of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)’s launch in October 2027.
The not-for-profit body has confirmed £60m in grant funding to help eligible independent retailers install reverse vending machines (RVMs) and outlined exemption criteria for smaller and constrained retail sites.
Under the updated framework, retailers in urban areas with a sales footprint below 100m² will be automatically exempt from hosting a return point.
Businesses with sales areas between 100m² and 199m² in urban locations, and rural stores under 200m², will be able to apply for a size-based exemption.
It is understood that further exemptions will also apply in cases where premises face operational constraints, including listed building restrictions, limited site access, lack of utilities or proximity issues.
Alongside the exemption changes, £60m in grant funding will be made available to support up to 10,000 small and independent retailers with the cost of installing RVMs across the three nations.
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Eligible retailers will receive grants of £6,000 per site, paid in three instalments of £2,000, with funding released three months after installation.
Reconomy EcoVend managing director Travis Way said the measures reflect a pragmatic step in the scheme’s development.
“With less than 18 months to go until the launch of the UK Deposit Return Scheme, Exchange For Change is clearly accelerating preparations and providing businesses with greater certainty on what the scheme will look like in practice.”
“While many businesses are keen to play their part, the reality is that upfront costs, space constraints and cash flow considerations can present genuine challenges, particularly for independent retailers. Grant funding will help reduce those barriers and ensure smaller businesses are not disproportionately disadvantaged by the regulations.
He added: “For those firms that do not qualify for an exemption but are concerned about space limitations, the market is already responding with innovative solutions. Compact reverse vending machines, such as EcoVend’s 150X model, have been specifically designed for smaller retail environments and can fit through a standard doorway, helping retailers overcome one of the most commonly cited barriers to participation.”
In April, Exchange for Change confirmed that a flat 20p deposit will apply to all in-scope drinks container, while last week it announced return handling fees that will be paid to return point operators.
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